Voice of the people (letter).

Don't Laugh Aloud

October 22, 1999|By Dan Hyland.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — In the last 10 years or so the concept of being offended has reached new heights of insanity. Practically everything we say or do can be found offensive to somebody. A good example recently was in President Clinton's offending the Irish. Apparently all Irish were supposed to be "offended" by his telling a joke that rested on the premise that the Irish like to drink (alcoholic beverages, that is).

Well I am Irish--all four grandparents were born in Ireland--and I'm here to tell you: Yes the Irish do like to drink. Any more or any less that any other race or creed? Good question.

Although I am a renowned Clinton basher, this is one time he's not guilty. Yes the Irish do drink. And whether this is a bit more or a bit less that the next guy, it certainly should provide no basis for any Irishman to be offended by an otherwise harmless joke.

Have we reached a point in society where there is no longer such a thing as a harmless joke?